Kathmandu, March 15: Prime Minister Sushila Karki had taken up the responsibility of the head of the executive when the country was in difficult circumstances and has successfully fulfilled the task of conducting the House of Representatives election within the stipulated time.
Amidst doubts about whether the elections would take place or not, it appears that Prime Minister Karki has found a kind of satisfaction as the elections were peacefully conducted on March 5, the election results have been announced, and preparations for forming the new government have now begun.
Prime Minister Karki spoke candidly spoke with RSS Reporter Kalika Khadka about the problems and challenges faced while fulfilling the responsibility of conducting elections and her experiences leading the government as a former Chief Justice.
The edited excerpts of the tete-a-tete with PM Karki:
Q. The election to the House of Representatives members was completed peacefully. You led the successful conduction of the election as the Prime Minister. How does it feel?
I particularly do not have a different type of feeling. However, everyone was concerned about the country. Despite uncertainty, the elections were concluded peacefully. Everyone who cares about the country and wishes for its well-being is happy. I am also happy. We were able to fulfill the responsibility assigned to the government on time. It feels like joy.
Q. You took on the responsibility of the executive head in the country’s difficult situation. Since it was the period after the Gen Z Movement, there were certainly challenges in the initial days. How do you remember those challenges?
There were many challenges when I was in a leadership role. I also wondered whether I could manage the work or not. The time available was only six months. On top of that, many critics attacked us. They also doubted us. All the established parties stood against us. Some who identified themselves as Gen-Z leaders even suggested abandoning the government immediately. They said we had hijacked the movement. At that time, there were very few people to support us.
The members of the Council of Ministers worked while consoling each other. Even when meeting with representatives of foreign diplomatic missions, questions like ‘Is it possible?’ would come up. There were no talk of peace and sympathy from many sides.
We did not have a large line of supporters or organisation behind us. We were a few people in the government. There were many attacks during that time. People did not have faith in us. On top of that, there were comments about me being a woman. But I listened with one ear and let it fly out of the other. I did not abandon my work.
Q. In such a difficult situation, where did the courage, confidence, and the daring to say ‘I can lead the nation’ come from?
The feeling that I can do it came from within. I had surmised it before becoming the Prime Minister. My physique, strength, and power felt like that of a 16 to 18-year-old. If one thinks that he/she could not carry out the responsibility, their BP is likely to go high. Criticism was coming from all over in newspapers and the media. Instead of my blood pressure rising, it was decreasing. The doctor was even astonished. But I do not have a habit of panicking. I have gone through that too.
Politics has a certain value. Even people in the judiciary have experienced it. I have myself faced a tough situation before also. In court, one feels it immediately. But it is not allowed to be expressed there. Here, one can even express it.
One thing is that since childhood I was taught ‘you have to endure, you must not panic’. Since childhood, I thought that if I dared to do something, anything could be accomplished. I also had confidence. Many a times, I also solicited God’s support in overcoming the myriad of challenges before me.
I said to God, ‘I no longer need anything personal, just save the country where I was born and raised, God.’ Whatever I asked for, that was enough. That must have been a blessing from my father and mother from above. I said it wouldn’t rain on the Election Day, and it didn’t. I said it wouldn’t snow, and it didn’t. I had said this with my confidence. Fortunately, the weather was favourable on the Election Day. And I have also thanked nature for this.
Q. While leading the country, was there ever a moment when you felt you could no longer continue?
It felt like that happened repeatedly. The day the parents of the martyrs of the Gen-Z Movement came to Baluwatar and cried, it felt like I am getting a heart attack. Newspapers kept saying ‘the government cannot deliver’. One Gen-Z guy even said, ‘We should have run the government, why did you run it?’ They first could not tell the President ‘I can’. Towards the end of the government’s term, they were coming to me and saying, ‘Make me a minister’.
But I did not get upset, I thought that those children, they are immature youngsters. A few even said, ‘I will make her fail and become Prime Minister myself.’ The political parties also said that even if you become Prime Minister, you should run the government by keeping ministers from the political party.
In this country, it seems the Prime Minister is considered the most important person. For me, that is not so invaluable. Even now I prefer to be called as former Chief Justice. I like the judicial field itself. But people seem to value and are attracted to the post of Prime Minister. People also mockingly commented: ‘That Sushila can do and we cannot?’ They spoke derogatory words too. Whatever the criticism, like my wearing such and such types of clothes, bangles like that, and walking with a tilted gait, they said all kinds of things like that. No matter how much they criticise, it does not affect me. It’s one’s own perspective.
Q. At what point did you feel confident that the elections will now take place?
I was appointed as the Prime Minister on 27th Bhadra (12th September 2025). The next day was Saturday, and from the 14th of September, the Election Commission began its work. First of all, we focused on the problems of the families of the martyrs who had sacrificed in the Gen-Z Movement. We listened to what their families said and worked accordingly.
After that, we focused on the election. We also requested neighbouring countries for assistance in the election. There were not enough vehicles for the police. Assistance was also received from friendly nations, India and China. We worked by focusing primarily on the election. We facilitated everything requested by the Election Commission. We discussed with the President to create a conducive environment to be mentally prepared for the election.
About 21 to 22 groups of Gen-Z youths emerged. One says one thing, another group says another. The Gen-Z became like the party’s sister organisation. Some talked about the executive prime minister, some about the directly-elected prime minister, and some about amending the constitution itself. They were even saying things that were not allowed by the constitution. Even the things said by the Gen-Z youths could not be ignored. Political parties say– this government will only hold elections. The Gen-Z say– do all the work, because this is a government that came from a rebellion.
We were so confused and overwhelmed. That situation had also to be endured. Amidst various ups and downs, a historically peaceful election was conducted.
Q. Do you think you have completed extraordinary job to drive the nation towards right political course? Are you extremely satisfied for your performance?
I didn’t share that sentiment. Throughout my life, I took an exam for one grade and succeeded. I also took an exam for two grades and passed. While pursuing my studies, I completed my postgraduate degree. Life consistently challenges you as time goes on.
Honestly, it was a tough journey. At first, I declared, ‘No one should lose their life during an election. Not a single drop of blood should be spilled.’ Ultimately, it turned out to be peaceful. I extend my gratitude to the general public, the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, National Investigation Department, election police, and all security personnel played a significant role in ensuring the success of this election. As Prime Minister, I am deeply thankful.
Q. Who contributed to the success of the election and the government?
The primary duty of the government was to oversee the election. I attribute 50 percent of the success to the Election Commission. The efforts led by officiating Chief Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari and the three commissioners are unforgettable in history. Although the commission was meant to have five officials, these three achieved an incredible feat. As Prime Minister, I express my gratitude to all three officials and the entire commission. In the cabinet, I owe the most thanks to Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal. He has dedicated himself tirelessly. I also appreciate the other ministers. Every citizen has played an equal part in the government’s achievements. The leaders of all four security agencies were instrumental in devising a comprehensive security plan and executing it effectively to ensure the country’s safe transition to this phase.
Q. In the meantime you reshuffle the secretariat by lessening human resources. Why did you do so?
When some forces intensely tried to attack me but they failed and shifted to attack the secretariat. Then I decided to so. At the age of 73, I was forced to do all the work myself by reshuffling the secretariat in a small shape. But today, I want to thank all of them.
Q. How did you face that challenge? There were 125 to 130 parties in the country how you convinced them for election?
Initially, the main challenge in conducting the elections was to have dialogue with political parties. We met various people from political parties. We also had discussions with leaders of the then major political parties, including the then President of Nepali Congress Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN (UML) Chairperson KP Sharma Oli, Coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, leaders of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and representatives from all 125 parties. There were so many movements. From that situation, we have brought the country to its current state.
For this, tireless efforts were made. I held 14 meetings in a single day. Many times we have stayed till 2-3 o’clock in the night. Every day, attended dozens of the meeting with different stakeholders. It was for the purpose of trying to create an environment positive for elections. Again, the culture was such that everyone had to meet the Prime Minister, take a photo, and that was also done. Because, somehow, the election atmosphere had to be created.
The possibility of an attack was prevented during the voting. Tensions were created in various places over religious and communal issues. We stopped them as well. The National Investigation Department (NID) was made redundant by keeping it under the Prime Minister.
Q. The major parties at the time even went to the Supreme Court for the reinstatement of the dissolved parliament, right?
Yes, but the government wanted to hold the election at any cost on scheduled timeframe. We kept communicating and discussing with all the parties repeatedly. Work was done to steer the entire country towards the elections. Ultimately, it was successful. In the election, a new party has achieved victory with nearly a two-thirds majority, and the established parties appeared weak.
Q. How do you take this result?
This result is of youths, also the effect of Gen Z movement as well as desire of change. But legacy parties should not be worry. The election result was beyond our expectation and I had not thought that Chair Oli would lose the election. Everyone should respect the people’s vote and RSP should respect the votes it has got in this election as well as legacy parties.
Opposition parties should always protect the wrong doings of ruling parties. Politics is a social service. People do not forget matured leaders of Nepal. Unprecedented wave of RSP swept the country this time and a new wave might take place next time.
Q. What activities have the incumbent government carried out to maintain good governance and corruption in line with sentiments of Gen Z movement occurred on September 8 and 9?
We carried out all possible efforts to maintain good governance and control corruption. We curtailed various types of unnecessary expenses. I reside in the official residence of the Prime Minister but did not take salary. Some ministers also have not accepted any benefits including salary.
Total Rs 32 billion was spent in March 5 election. It was also spent on police, army and security equipment that could be utilized in coming days. The Election Commission spent minimal budget being very frugal. Only Rs 20 million was spent in the National Assembly election against the estimate of Rs 40 million. We did not add burden to state treasurer by going foreign visit. I think, the country never had such government in the past that practiced such frugal.
We made appointment and promotion based on seniority and work efficiency in bureaucracy and security organisation as well as boosted the morale of such organisations. We did not interfere in the appointment at universities. Organisations like Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority, Nepal Police and Central Investigation Bureau carried out works with professional freedom and I highly praised the chiefs and office-bearers of such organisations. Department of Money Laundering Investigation, Department of Revenue Investigation and national Investigation Department, previously placed under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers were returned to line ministries.
Q. The probe commission formed to investigate incident occurred on September 8 and 9 has already submitted its report. Demands are being raised to make public the report and its implementation. What is the government doing about it?
The probe commission has submitted the report. A cabinet meeting is taking place today. We will discuss in the meeting and take decision on it. We do not have much time. Country has got a new mandate. A new government will be formed within few days and it would forward remaining process.
Q. What is your message to a new government?
At first, the new government should address three demands put forth by Gen-Zs– good governance, corruption control and employment. Lack of employment has become the major problem. There is nepotism in available opportunities. Economic situation should be improved by removing such situation. Corruption should be controlled.
I have seen that the huge reforms should be done within Singha Durbar. Political biasness is seen on employees working there that makes 75 per cent affect on activities. No projects are completed on time. Today, I am sad to say that we did not get any support. I see that a revolutionary step should be taken to reform bureaucracy.
Q. You have created a history as the first woman prime minister. What will you do after completing this responsibility?
I have completed the works that I had to do as the prime minister during the difficult circumstances. I will return to normal personal life.
Q. There is talk about your appointment as President?
I have no more desire. There are many people who are more deserving than me and have not got any opportunity.
Q. At last, do you have anything to say from the position of the Prime Minister?
The incumbent government had the responsibility to hold election and we completed it. Some initiatives are taken in development sector. The new government should provide employment to youths and create environment to sty all Nepalis inside the country.
Reform in education is necessary and an environment of trust towards the country should be built. Nepal is very beautiful in view of natural resources. Now, the country does not need conflict and tension.
I understand that the election campaign of Balen has given a message that Tarai, hilly and mountainous regions are united. I have trust upon Balen. I hope something will happen.(RSS)
